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Treasure Island — Chapter 12 — Page 1

It were a main place for pirates once, and a hand we had on board knowed all their names for it. That hill to the norard they calls the Foremast Hill; there are three hills in a row running southardfore, main, and mizzen, sir. But the mainthats the big un, with the cloud on itthey usually calls the Spy-glass, by reason of a lookout they kept when they was in the anchorage cleaning, for its there they cleaned their ships, sir, asking your pardon. I have a chart here, says Captain Smollett. See if thats the place. Long Johns eyes burned in his head as he took the chart, but by the fresh look of the paper I knew he was doomed to disappointment. This was not the map we found in Billy Boness chest, but an accurate copy, complete in all thingsnames and heights and soundingswith the single exception of the red crosses and the written notes. Sharp as must have been his annoyance, Silver had the strength of mind to hide it. Yes, sir, said he, this is the spot, to be sure, and very prettily drawed out. Who might have done that, I wonder? The pirates were too ignorant, I reckon. Aye, here it is: Capt. Kidds Anchoragejust the name my shipmate called it. Theres a strong current runs along the south, and then away norard up the west coast. Right you was, sir, says he, to haul your wind and keep the weather of the island.